Effectiveness of misoprostol for induction of first-trimester miscarriages : experience at a single tertiary care centre in Oman

Abstract EN

Objectives: Non-invasive methods of inducing a miscarriage are now considered an effective alternative to surgical evacuation (dilatation and curettage).

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of misoprostol in the termination of first-trimester miscarriages.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted between October 2009 and September 2010 and assessed all patients admitted to the Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman, for the termination of first-trimester miscarriages during the study period.

All patients received misoprostol and the rates of successful termination were measured.

Patient satisfaction was assessed using a short questionnaire.

Results: A total of 290 women were included in the study.

Termination with misoprostol was successful in 61.38% of the subjects.

Of the remaining subjects requiring additional surgical evacuation (n = 112), 58.93% required evacuation due to failed termination with misoprostol and 65.18% underwent early evacuation (≤24 hours since their last misoprostol dose).

The majority of patients experienced no side-effects due to misoprostol (89.66%).

Pain was controlled with simple analgesics in 70.00% of the subjects.

A high satisfaction rate (94.83%) with the misoprostol treatment was reported.

Conclusion: Misoprostol was a well-tolerated drug which reduced the rate of surgical evacuation among the study subjects.

This medication can therefore be used safely in the management of incomplete miscarriages